This always come up, was told last month by basings that your 'old' f/o base slot isn't available in the system until you pass the course. So if you come off base and fail you can go back on base on the slot which you hold until passing the course you came off base for. Make sense? You give up nothing by having a go at command. On the contrary, if you pass you get the chance to scream at your F/O 24/7 and dump your wife (as a skipper you're way too good for her now anyway):ok:

It's all about roster and days off, 777 has best roster by a mile for days off and variety and will have for at least the next 10 years. Take a 'bus command and you won't be able to get off it for 10-15 years. Live to work or work to live................

It is hard to comprehend how there can be confusion about whether or not one can maintain their current base in the event that they fail a command course. It does make sense however, that if you are upgrading on the same type that you are base protected in the event you command course goes south. If however, you are going from Airbus to Boeing or vice-versa I'm not sure how the company would deal with this. I get the fact that the B777 has a better route structure with a long and short haul mix, but is delaying a command for what could turn out to be years (if you get the timing wrong) worth the financial penalty not to mention the pleasure of 'berating your side kick' at every turn.;) For some it won't be, and for other is will. The point of this discussion surrounds the scenario that enough guy and gals decide to wait for the B777 until the company has no other option left but to recruit DEC's for the left seat. Should this occur there really is no one to blame, is there?

Phoenix,

I'm pretty sure they will not make it through all the qualified FOs in their search for Airbus captains if they keep going down the list. This could be great news for mid-level FOs who are thinking their commands are still years away... And just when the Airbus rosters seem intolerable, the A359 might offer some long haul improvement.

CXorcist

CXorcist,
No question in my mind that you are right in both regards, that is, there will be available candidates for the A330 as well as the A350, when it arrives, being put on some LH/ULH routes thus solving the rostering issues. DEC's into the left seat, I can't imagine, into the right..... perhaps.

Flying p
 

If you mean direct entry FOs then we have lots and will hire more.

CX will hire direct entry Captains again as well, maybe disguised as Air Hong Kong, or Air China, CX cargo, or maybe something new.

FG

FG,

Come on, Air China a DEC position for CX? I don't think so. Completely separate companies. Air Hong Kong? Things start to get a little hazier I agree. CX Cargo? Not so hazy anymore. The AOA has an unenviable task at having to deal with these CX spin-off's. In my opinion only, the AOA needs to protect the mainline carrier positions (I would include CX Cargo into this discussion) and nothing else. There are simply too many balls in the air for the AOA to try and juggle. They need to stay focused on the core group of guys. Now if CX was to start another passenger airline or heaven forbid merge KA into the equation that would open up a whole other can of worms.

FP

That's more like it, now you are thinking like a conspiracy theorist !

Fg

Sorry FP this is what the post was supposed to say....auto correct and beer don't mix !!

FG,
Huh? Did you actually read and comprehend my post? Can you show me where I am lying and conjecturing?

Easy see edit.....

Cheers

FG

FG,
Apologies, but I swear that edit wasn't there at the time I posted.:hmm: